Taylor In Contention For Top Honour

PHIL TAYLOR has been included on the ten-man shortlist for the 2006 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Taylor has enjoyed another incredible year of success, beginning with a 13th World Championship title in January when he defeated Peter Manley 7-0.

The 46-year-old has won over half of the tournaments he has entered, and picked up further televised titles at the Holsten Premier League Darts, World Series of Darts, Stan James World Matchplay, Bavaria World Darts Trophy and the SkyBet World Grand Prix.

Taylor has also won three PDPA Players Championship titles as well as the opening Regional Final for the 207 UK Open.

Only one of the seven defeats he has suffered did not come in the final leg of a contest.

Taylor's popularity has also seen him become the new face of Worthington's Bitter, and Ladbrokes.com have joined his local newspaper, The Sentinel, in backing the campaign for him to be recognised in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year voting.

"I'm honoured to have been included in the shortlist," said Taylor. "This is an award judged by the public so that makes it extra special.

"I can't wait for the awards night on Sunday. There are so many other great sportsmen and women in the final ten who have all achieved success this year."

Professional Darts Corporation Chairman Barry Hearn said: "It's rare that this country produces a sportsman or woman that dominates their chosen sport over such a long period.

"The world legend is often overused but in Phil Taylor's case it's entirely appropriate.

"I know who will be getting my vote on Sunday and it's time for the ordinary men and women of this country to vote for a real hero."

Taylor was invited to the BBC Midlands annual awards on Sunday 3 December, where he was awarded their Sports Personality of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

Taylor is pictured at the BBC Midlands Sports Awards dinner, receiving his Sports Personality of the Year trophy from former Olympic rower Sir Alan Cadbury and his Sportsman of the Year award from former Olympic gymnast Suzanne Dando.

The other nominees for the 2006 Sports Personality of the Year are:
Jenson Button (Formula One)
Joe Calzaghe (Boxing)
Darren Clarke (Golf)
Ricky Hatton (Boxing)
Andy Murray (Tennis)
Monty Panesar (Cricket)
Zara Phillips (Equestrian)
Beth Tweddle (Gymnastics)
Nicole Cooke (Cycling)
The final award will be voted for by viewers of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year this Sunday, live on BBC1 from 7pm.

Viewers can vote by phone or text on the night.